Roadside Repairs: What Can Be Fixed on the Shoulder - and What Can’t

Truck mechanic checking the truck

A truck breaks down on the shoulder. 
Flashers on. Traffic moving at highway speed. Dispatch calling for an ETA. 

The first question is always the same: 

“Can this be repaired roadside, or do we need a tow?” 

Roadside service can save hours of downtime when the issue is small, accessible, and quick to resolve. But many breakdowns are not limited by safety concerns alone - they are limited by time, equipment, diagnostic capability, and the working environment. Some repairs simply cannot be completed properly on the shoulder, even if the problem is identified. 

Understanding the difference helps fleets avoid repeat failures, unnecessary delays, and escalating damage. 

High-traffic shoulder environments present significant risk, as noted in commercial vehicle roadside safety guidance, which is why repair time and exposure must be minimized whenever possible. 

What Roadside Repairs Can Realistically Handle 

Roadside service is designed for fast, external, mobility-restoring fixes - issues that can be resolved without heavy disassembly, specialized shop equipment, or extended diagnostic time. 

Tire-Related Problems 

Tire issues represent the majority of roadside calls because they can often be resolved quickly with mobile service equipment. 

Typically repairable roadside: 

  • Flat tire replacement 

  • Slow pressure loss 

  • Valve stem replacement 

  • Minor external air leaks 

Often requiring shop repair instead: 

  • Wheel hub damage 

  • Bearing-related failures 

  • Repeated tire failures caused by suspension or alignment problems 

In these situations, roadside tire replacement may restore movement temporarily, but without alignment checks or hub inspection equipment, the root cause cannot be corrected. 

Electrical Starting and Battery Issues 

Many no-start breakdowns are caused by simple electrical failures that can be resolved quickly. 

Common roadside solutions: 

  • Battery jump-start 

  • Battery replacement 

  • Cleaning corroded battery terminals 

  • Repairing loose external connections 

Often requiring shop-level diagnostics: 

  • Internal wiring harness failures 

  • ECM or control module faults 

  • Sensor network communication problems 

These issues typically require diagnostic scan tools, extended troubleshooting time, or wiring access that cannot be safely or efficiently performed roadside. 

Fuel Delivery Interruptions 

Some fuel-related breakdowns can be resolved quickly if the issue is simple and externally accessible. 

Often repairable roadside: 

  • Running out of fuel 

  • Gelled diesel during cold weather 

  • Accessible fuel filter replacement 

Common cases requiring a shop environment: 

  • Fuel pump failures 

  • Injector system faults 

  • Fuel contamination requiring system flushing 

Modern fuel systems require controlled environments, contamination prevention procedures, and extended service time - conditions not available on the shoulder. 

Air System Leaks 

Loss of air pressure can immobilize a truck quickly, but some external air system issues can be corrected roadside. 

Often fixable roadside: 

  • External airline leaks 

  • Loose fittings 

  • Damaged exposed hoses 

Typically requiring shop repair: 

  • Air compressor failure 

  • Internal brake system component replacement 

  • ABS system diagnostics and repairs 

These repairs frequently require lifting equipment, pressure testing, and calibration tools unavailable during mobile service calls. 

Repairs That Usually Require Shop Equipment and Time 

Certain breakdowns are not prevented from roadside repair because they are unsafe - they simply cannot be completed correctly without shop infrastructure, controlled working conditions, or extended repair time

Brake System Component Replacement 

Brake chamber replacements, slack adjuster repairs, rotor or drum service, and major air brake component work often require: 

  • Lift access 

  • Proper torque procedures 

  • Post-repair brake system checks 

  • Compliance verification 

Attempting these repairs without proper equipment risks incomplete installation or improper adjustment, which can lead to repeat failures or compliance violations. 

Read North American Standard inspection procedures which often requires shop-level verification after repair here 

Structural, Steering, and Suspension Repairs 

Frame issues, suspension failures, and steering component replacements typically require: 

  • Heavy lifting equipment 

  • Alignment tools 

  • Precision torque settings 

  • Post-repair inspection procedures 

Without these, repairs cannot be completed to manufacturer specifications. 

Engine and Transmission Failures 

Many engine or drivetrain breakdowns involve systems that require extended diagnostic time and controlled shop conditions. 

Common tow-required situations: 

  • Unidentified overheating 

  • Oil pressure loss 

  • Major coolant leaks 

  • Transmission slipping or fluid loss 

Attempting temporary roadside solutions in these cases can often worsen internal damage and significantly increase repair costs. 

Why Correct Repair Decisions Matter 

Calling roadside service for a repair that ultimately requires shop equipment can: 

  • Extend downtime instead of reducing it 

  • Delay necessary towing 

  • Increase component damage 

  • Create repeat breakdowns shortly after returning to the road 

Experienced roadside technicians do more than perform repairs - they evaluate whether the issue can be fully resolved with the tools, parts, and time available at the roadside

Roadside Service vs. Shop Repair: Different Roles 

Roadside service is designed to: 

  • Restore basic mobility 

  • Address minor external failures 

  • Stabilize the vehicle until full repair is possible 

Shop repairs are designed to: 

  • Diagnose root causes 

  • Perform complete component replacement 

  • Verify system performance and compliance 

  • Ensure long-term reliability 

Using each service appropriately keeps fleets moving while preventing repeat failures. 

According to industry maintenance best practices published by the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council, full diagnostic and component replacement work should be completed in properly equipped shop environments. Learn more here  

When in Doubt, Make the Right Call 

At Sounders Truck Repair, roadside assistance is not about temporary fixes whenever possible - it is about determining whether the problem can be properly completed with the equipment, time, and working conditions available

If the repair can be completed correctly on the shoulder, it will be. 
If the job requires shop-level equipment or extended service time, towing becomes the faster, safer, and more cost-effective decision. 

Because the goal isn’t just getting the truck moving again - it’s keeping it from stopping again 20 miles later. 

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